Motion-picture-projection booth



J. N. cANAvAN 1,743,879

MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION BOOTH 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed Nov'. 14. 1922v Jan. 1.4, 1930.

Jan. 14, 1930. J. N. CANAVAN MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION BOOTH Filed Nov. 14.l 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet, 2

HIILIIIIJHIWHIMMMLHIH Patented Jan. 14, 1930 Y UNTED STATES PATENT 4OFlilCl-i'.

JOSHUA NEWELL CANAVAN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIG-NOR TO ACME MOTION PICTURE PROJECTOR COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLI- NOIS MOTION-PICTURE-PROJ ECTION BOOTH Application filed November 14, 1922. Serial No. 600,910.

rlhis invention relates broadly to metallic or other non-inflammable building structures, and more particularly pertains to an improved type of metallic booth, preferably j 5 portable, and especially adapted for use in the projection of motion pictures and the like. A

Vhile this invention is illustrated as a pro j ect-ion booth for housing the motion picture lo projection apparatus, spare reels, and the operator, and for carrying out other functions, it is not limited to such use, but finds a Wide field of utility for other purposes.

The present invention is inspired by the 15 passage of legislation in various States and municipalities requiring the use of portable booths for motion picture projection Where such projection is conducted in places in which large numbers of persons assemble, such as in auditoriums and similar halls. To

this end I' have provided a safe and fire preventive portable booth in Which either an infiammable or noirinfiammable film may be used. As is Well knownto those skilled in the art, the expression noninfiammable burning such a film, the monoxide gas beeliminated or materially reduced by insuring 40 complete combustion Where the film takes fire. l have discovered that the admission of air in .sufficientquantities to a booth ofthe character to be hereinafter more cea'rly set forth Will supply the oxygen necessary to l burn carbon-monoxide gas, and by the` presence of air in the Vdesired quantity, carbon dioxide is formed, which is quite harmless. Therefore, aswill hereinafter appear, one of the principal objects of this invention is to aid, rather than retard, .complete .and quick combustion of the film in such small lquantities as used in connection with the operation of portable motion picture machines, and permitting such film to burn under conditions restricting the extent of the flame and gas 55 resulting therefrom. l The principal objects and advantages which characterize this invention reside in: the provision of an improved booth or enclosure Which may be used safely for the purpose of projecting motion pictures; the provision of an improved type of portable booth of the character referred to; the provision of an improved portable motion picture projection booth, in which either ina5 flammable or non-inflammable film may be used With safety; the provision of an improved portable booth for use in projecting motion pictures, and the like, Which is constructed preferably of metal or other noninflammable material; the provision of an improved non-inflammable portable booth or enclosure, in which fire, should itioccur, is aided to such an extent as to prevent the gen eration of dangerous or noxious gases, lbut in 15 which the fire is confined to the booth alone.; the provision of an improved portable booth especially adapted for use in the projection of motion pictures, and in which anumber of film reels may be stored safely against the 80 occurrence of fire, and in which the film in use, if ignited, is permitted to, burn freely; the provision of an improved portable booth for use in the projection ofmotion pictures and thev like Which affords means for the storage of film reels not in .actual use, and in which, in the event y'of fire, the operator is 'afforded quick and easy egress therefrom; the provision of an improved all-metal booth or enclosure especially adaptedfor use inthe projection of motion pictures, and provided withmeans affording a free circulation of air therethrough for aiding combustion of a film' in, use,;should the same take fire; and the provision of animproved boothiorenclosure possessing the lcharacteristics outlined above, which at all times, other than When the operator is entering and leaving saurais-completely closed, Wit-h the exception of certain apertures, and which is simple inconstruo- 1100 tion, light and durable, and easily transported from place to place, and meets with all the requirements reasonably presented by the underwriters or state or municipal authorities.

This invention is also more specifically characterized by the provision ofa booth or enclosure of the character described which may be readily assembled and disassembled for packing and transport; the provision of an improved booth or enclosure having a door which automatically hermetically seals one side of the device, and wherein the device is open at the top for aiding combustion of one film, should the same take fire during projection.

This'invention is further characterized by the provision of certain details of construction which enhance the rigidity and durability of the device; and is further characterized by the provision of means for storing the films not in use, which means is normally closed against the entrance of flame or other fire; and the device is yet further characterized by the provision of an improved adjustable support therein uponv which a portable or other motion picture projection apparatus may be suitably mounted.

The foregoing, and such other objects and advantages7 as may appear or be pointed out as this description proceeds, are attained in one structural embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the device embodying improvements in this invention;

Figure 2 is an elevational view viewing the device from the aspect of the right hand wall of Figure 1; f

Figure 3 is a similar view looking at the other side of the device;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken 'on a. plane of the line 4 4 of Figure 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figures 5 and 6 are detail sectional views taken on line 5 5 of Figure 3, and 6 0 of Figure 1, respectively.

The device of this invention preferably comprises an all metal housing or booth of sufficient size and properly equipped to accommodate a portable motion picture projection apparatus, film storage space, and an operator, means-being provided for admitting air for insuring complete combustion of one lm only,the housing being assembled and mounted on casters and provided with means whereby the housing may be raised off the casters and rigidly and fiXedly supported in a desired position for projecting motion pictures and the like.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the housing- 5 preferably comprises front and rear walls 6 and 7, respectively, each con- Vstructed of a single sheet of metal ofthe desired thickness, and which will possess the required rigidity, said front and rear walls being reinforced by crossed diagonally arranged bars 8 8 and 9 9 respectively; side walls 10 and 11 also being provided, and said side and front and rear walls being joined at their contiguous edges byV the provision of vertically disposed angle-bars 12 12. The angle-bars 12-12 serve to strengthen the corners, and at the same time prevent undue vibration of the wall, and thus contribute to the general rigidity of the device. The adjacent margins of said walls are flanged and overlapped as at 12, Figure 5, so as to further insure rigidity. The bottom of the housing or booth comprises a metallic plate 13, substantially rectangular in shape and having upf turned flanges 14-14 along the edges thereof, which flanges receive the lower edges of the front and rear and side walls of the cabinet. The bottom 13 is reinforced by a transversely arranged angle bar 15, and, is )further strengthened by a flooring composed of a metallic sheet 16 and a sheet 17 composed of asbestos or cylinder material. The bottom edges of the walls 6 and 7 may be provided with flanges 18 for retaining the flooring in position. Series of bolts 19 and 20, or the like, serve to secure the angle bars 12 and the flanges 14 to the respective front and rear and side walls of the cabinet.

In order to further strengthen and support the wider walls of the device, that is, the front and rear walls, there are provided horizontal angle bars 21-21 on each wall, arranged about midway of t-he height of the wall, as best seen in Figures 3 and 4.

The cabinet is provided with a top wall 22, formed of sheet metal, and provided with downturned marginal flanges 23, which are secured to the adjacent upper portions of the vertical walls of the device by the provision of bolts 24, or the like. The top is characterized by the provision of a central opening 25, preferably substantiallyy rectangular, and provided with a bordering 4upstanding flange 2G. On the flange 26 there is suitably supported a metallic screen 27, and above said screen, at a sufficient distance, there is supported a baffle plate 28, on suitable vertical standards 29, which latter are Welded or otherwise fiXedly secured to the top wall 22, as best seen in Figure 4. Above the baffle plate 28, at about the same distance as said plate is from the screen 27, there is provided a metallic wire screen 30, supported on an upstanding flange 31, the flange 31 being secured to the topwall 22 by riveting, brazing Or the like, and extending completely about the baffle 28, but Y in spaced relationship thereto. This arrangement permits of passage of air, gas, or flame, the latter in small degree, upwardly through the opening 25 around the baille 28 and through the screen 30, said screens 27 and 30 serving to prevent sparks or any ignited particles from passing up ,through the top of the cabinet.

The front wall 6 of the booth or cabinet is provided with a sight opening 32, of a suflicient height, whereby the operator may view the screen upon which the motion pictures are projected, and over said opening there is disposed a wire screen 33, secured in place by the provision of a flange 34 which borders said opening and is secured thereto by riveting, brazing or the like. Similarly the wall 6 is provided with an opening 35 near one vertical edge thereof, and at a proper height whereby the pictures may be projected therethrough, said opening being bordered by vertical guide elements 36-36, in which an automatically closing door or shutter 37 is slidably mounted. The shutter is normally maintained in open position, that is, the position shown in Figure 2, by the provision of a flexiblel cable 38, passing through an eye 39, secured to the under surface of the top wall 22, and connected to a short piece 40 of inflammable film, or other readily combustible material, disposed across the opening 25, and anchored at 41. In the event of fire, the flame passing through the opening 25 will consume the film 40 and permit the shutter 37 to drop and thus close the opening 35. The wall 7 is provided, at a proper height, with two air and sight openings 35a, a wire screening 56 being placed over said openings.

l/Vithin the cabinet or booth there is provided a shelf 42 which extends from the front to the rear wall thereof, and is hingedly mounted at 43 on the front wall. The rear end of the shelf 42 ishingedly connected at 44 to a hasp 45, provided with a slot 46, in which a set-screw 47 operates. Thus, the angularity of the shelf and the height of the motion picture projection apparatus 48 mounted thereon may be varied as desired. The condensing lens, generally indicated at 49, and projection mechanism 50, are so arranged as to be disposed substantially centrally of the opening 35, so that the pictures will be properly projected therethrough.

Beneath the shelf 42, and in such a position as to normally lie in closed position, there is provided a magazine 51, comprising a series of substantially rectangular chambers or containers 52--52 fiXedly mounted on the walls 6 and 7, and independently! arranged for receiving each a motion picture film reel. The normal positions of said chambers are such that it is neither possible for the operator to leave the closures 53 thereof in open position nor place any reel or other article thereon. The closures 53 are hinged at 52a ,and are each provided with a curved saddle or loop 53a, hinged to the cover at 54a, so that as the cover is raised, the film reel is raised to a point convenient for removing same. Vhen a change of reels is made, the one finished is returned to its proper chamber, and the next film then removed. Aplate 51n is angularly disposed from the upper corner of the row of chambers 52, so that nothing can be placed behind them. Thus, it will be seen that when a film reel is to be removed or placed in the magazine, only one of the films or reels is wholly exposed within the cabinet at any time. There are shown six of the compartments 52, but it will be readily understood that any additional number may be provided if desired.

The bottom of the cabinet or booth is provided with a plurality of casters 54-54, preferably four in number, and mounted on swivel supports, whereby the booth may be readily moved from place to place. Vhen the booth has been placed in a desired position for use the floor engaging devices 55-55 are depressed, thus raising the cabinet off its casters and iXedly supporting the same in the desired position.

The side wall 10 is blank, and it is against this wall that the shelf 42 lies, the other side wall 11 including a door 57. Said side wall 11 forms the door frame and comprises the vertical stiles 58 and 59 and head 60 and sill 6l, all formed of sheet metal. The door is hinged at 62-62, on the stile 58, to swing outwardly, said door being flanged at 63 and overlapping the stiles 58 and 59 as best seen in Figures 1 and 6. Gusset plates 64 are arranged at the corners of the flanges 63 for insuring rigidity. The flanges of the door engage similar flanges 65 formed on the inner margins of the stiles 58 and 59, head 60 and sill 61, so that when the door closes it substantially hermetically seals that side of the cabinet or booth. Relatively high tension helical springs 66-66 are connected to the door and stile 58 as best seen in Figure 1, and said springs normally tend to close the door, and are of such power that when the door is released, it closes quickly. The door is mountedso that it is held closed solely by the springs 66 and thus the operator, in theV event of nre, may make a quick exit by merely placinghis weight against the door. The door is reinforced by the provision of crossed` brace bars 67, and is provided with an air opening 68 having a screen 69 thereover. A handle 70 is placed on the door. V

It will be readily understood that, while certain details of construction have been brought` forward specifically, obvious minor changes for the commercial betterment of the device may be made, and that the construction here is merely exemplary of one arrangement.

In the use of the booth hereinbefore def scribed, the portable motion picture projection apparatus may be placed therein at the proper point after the booth has been set up in the desired location. The operator may enter and leave the booth as necessary in connection with his duties.

In the event that the film reel being projected from the booth becomes ignited, the operator may leave the booth by merely placing his weight against the door, whereupon the door immediately closes again. The film thus ignited is permitted to burn freely, and to this end an upward draft of air 1s permitted by the provision of the screened openings 32, 35a, Q5, and 68, the screens 27 and 8O and baffle plate 2S cooperating with the supply of air for reducing the unconsumed gas permitted to escape from the booth. Furthermore, the enhancing of quick combustion prevents generation of dangerous gases, and reduces smoke and flame.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A non-inflammable booth from which motion pictures may be projected which includes top, bottom, and side walls, a spring` closed door on one side thereof, inlet ventilators in the sides of said booth for admitting air thereto, and a free outlet in the top of said booth and provid-ed with a flame baffle whereby said inlet ventilators and free outlet cooperate to cause circulation in said booth for insuring complete combustion of ignited inflammable material within the booth.

2. In adevice of the character described, in combination, a non-inflammable enclosure having side Ventilating apertures and a top outlet, said enclosure being adapted to serve as a booth for the projection of motion pictures, and said side apertures and top outlet serving` in the event of fire in the booth, to create a draft upwardly in said booth through said top outlet, land means in said top outlet for retarding the discharge of` noxious and other dangerous gasesA Y 3. A noneinflammable booth from which motion pictures may be projected which includes top, bottom, and side walls, a springclosed door on one side thereof, inlet ventilators in the sides of said booth for admitting air thereto, and a free outlet in the top of said booth and provided with a flame bafile whereby said inlet ventilators and free outlet cooperate to cause circulation in said booth for insuring complete combustion of ignited inflammable material within the booth, and a film storage compartment in said booth below the path from said inlet to said outlet and means for excluding flame from said film storage space.

mitting air thereto disposed above said film storage compartment, and a free outlet at the top of said booth above said inlet and having a flame baffle so that said inlet and free out` let cooperate to cause circulation in said booth above and substantially away from the locality of said film storage space and for insuring complete combustion of exposed ignited inflammable material j within the booth.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a booth or cabinet including an air inlet and an outlet, said cabinet being constructed of non-inflammable material and adapted to contain inflammable material to a predetermined amount, and means including said inlet functioning to hasten complete combustion of a small part only of such inflammable material in the event of lire within the booth, said air inlet being located so as to admit air above the locality of the fire, and means for including fire from the major portion of such inflammable material. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name.

JOSHUA NEIVELL CANAVAN.

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